Danielle Purifoy, a black geographer and writer, discusses her background and journey into geography. She highlights the importance of understanding the interconnections between physical landscapes, development, and racial politics. Danielle discusses the concept of black geographies and reframing the narratives around black spaces. She discusses her work with Freedom Org in Princeville, North Carolina, and the reimagining of floodplains as spaces for food sovereignty and ecological preservation. Tap in!

Takeaways

• Understanding the interconnections between physical landscapes, development, and racial politics is crucial in geography.


• Reframing the narratives around black spaces and black geographies is important to challenge dominant perspectives.


• Floodplains can be reimagined as spaces for food sovereignty and ecological preservation.

• The relationship between land, property, and policing is intertwined and requires critical examination. Memory and collective knowledge are essential in understanding and reclaiming black geographies.

• Exploring alternative land relations and ways of relating to each other and the earth is necessary for liberation.


• Maroon communities provide historical examples of survival and sustainable practices.

Resources & Readings

• Southern Cultures Black Geographies edition, published Summer 23


• Getting Free, Spatially by Danielle Purifoy


• The South is Everywhere by Danielle Purifoy


• Plantations are not forests (video) by Danielle Purifoy

Sometime last year that I can't remember because I am a new parent, I was invited to speak at the ecopossibilities salon held by brotha Derrick Beasley and Monet Marshall in Durham North Carolina. This is the re-recording of my talk that was given to an intimate audience of artists, creatives, folk with resources, etc that extended my work from private to public in a "this is in the drafts" kind of way.

I tend to not share ideas that ain't near perfect or totally clear, but this talk helped me put together some of the words and bars I needed to release about this project. Here's a link to the supporting deck and visual aids.

For ways to stay connected or support the yonda project hit me up at [email protected]

This conversation with Derrick Beasley (@brobeas) explores the work of the guest around eco grief and surviving the burn, as well as their perspective on land relationships and the future of Black people.

Derrick describes his work as a cultural organizer and visual artist, operating on interpersonal, community, and cultural scales. He highlights the importance of centering Black folks in his work and creating space for conversations about our relationship to the LAND. The two also discuss their fascinations with the non-human world and the need to rethink our relationship to technology and the environment.

We envision a future that prioritizes reciprocal relationships with the land and each other, dismantles social inequalities, and builds a sense of possibilities.

Support the work:

http://derrickbeasley.art

https://groundedpossibilities.org/

Poem by Quay Weston, inspired by swamp tours with Derrick Beasley to the NC side of the great dismal swamp.

This work is inspired by the first hand accounts of Moses Grandy who was enslaved and forced into labor on the great dismal swamp canals.

Narrative of the Life of Moses Grandy; Late a Slave in the United States of America

This special episode was a short and sweet live conversation between Quay and Kenneth Brown Jr (@k.b.j_) on the current learnings of the Yonda project and familial relationships. Join them in conversation for this bonus episode.

Veronica McClendon, attorney and CEO of McClendon Law and Consulting, (@mcclendonlawga) discusses the importance of preserving heirs property and creating generational wealth through land ownership. She shares her personal connection to land and the challenges faced in managing and preserving heirs property. Veronica emphasizes the need for awareness and appreciation of the value of land, as well as the importance of connecting with family history and stories tied to the land. She dreams of empowering more black farmers and helping families utilize their land to create wealth and a sense of place.

Takeaways

• Heirs property is land that has been passed down through generations, often resulting in multiple family members owning fractional interests in the same property.


• Preserving heirs property requires addressing legal issues, building family consensus, and creating sustainable management plans.


• Awareness and appreciation of the value of land are crucial in preserving and utilizing heirs property to create generational wealth.


• Connecting with family history and stories tied to the land can foster a sense of pride and connection to the land.

In this episode of the Yonda Podcast, Quay sits down with Lisa Yebuah to talk about spiritual formation. As you listen, reflect on those who formed you that were not your parents. Remember them. Think about them. And if you can, give them a call or shoutout.

About Lisa: Lisa Yebuah is a graduate of Duke Divinity School and Wofford College. A South Carolina native, Rev. Yebuah is an ordained elder in the United Methodist Church and the Lead Pastor of Southeast Raleigh Table, a campus of Edenton Street United Methodist Church. Rev. Yebuah is a Lululemon Ambassador and self-described “spiritual ninja.” Lisa invites you to follow her on Instagram.

Continue to support and sustain the Yonda podcast at patreon.com/yonda

Outro Sounds by BJ Kicks with vocals by the Riddick Family

To close season one, Quay spends some time reflecting on two years of Yonda:words beyond worlds. In the episode, he shares reflections on writing, publishing, and casts some vision for the future. Also, if you listen intently, you may hear a call to create an archive of your own! If you'd like to connect post season one, contact Quay at [email protected]

Become a patron of the project at patreon.com/yonda!

Outro Sounds by BJ Kicks with vocals by the Riddick Family

A Place Called Home as a poem encapsulates the call for you to get back to what feels like home. There is a place of origin for you that might feel like it is calling you back. Maybe it is a friend, a thing, a dream. Listen to it and visit it before time passes you by.

Support the podcast at patreon.com/yonda or by sharing with a friend!

Outro Sounds by BJ Kicks with vocals by the Riddick Family

This episode is an oral history interview about Riddick Town, recorded by Quay Weston with his great aunt Lydia Whitley. This episode details the history of Riddick Town and stresses the importance/value of Black family land preservation. This interview is the full length audio of recently published Southern Cultures article, "Reimagining Riddick Town: Healing, Restoration, and Honor", featured in the Black Geographies special edition (guest edited by Danielle Purifoy PhD).

On a warm summer day in 2021, Quay sat down with Aunt Lydia to understand the history of his family and how they ended up in Pantego. This interview is the first of many to come in this series focused on the past, present, and future state of Riddick Town as the family organizes themselves to preserve family land.

Support the Yonda project at patreon.com/yonda

Outro Sounds by BJ Kicks with vocals by the Riddick Family